At its Exponential Impulse event in Berlin during the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship, CUPRA presented the Exponential Experience, the first ever electric racing experience that goes beyond the limits and merges the virtual and physical worlds.
CUPRA has created a racing experience that brings together two great and unconventional cities – Barcelona and Berlin. The Exponential Experience multiplies the limitless potential of the gaming and digital worlds with the emotion of driving a real car.
Drivers can sit behind the wheel of the CUPRA UrbanRebel Racing Concept – which delivers up to 320kW (435PS) at its peak – strap on a high-definition mixed reality headset and forget about reality as they race through a dynamic virtual world, travelling from Barcelona to Berlin, or any other scenario imaginable.
“The CUPRA Exponential Experience brings to life something most drivers wouldn’t typically experience: the incredible feeling of driving an electric racing car. A unique racing concept merging the virtual and physical worlds, allowing anyone to experience racing in a different way,” said Xavi Serra, Head of CUPRA racing.
With the CUPRA Exponential Experience, what the driver sees is virtual, but what they drive and feel is real, as they sit behind the wheel of the CUPRA UrbanRebel Racing concept. With dynamic virtual environments taking inspiration from the worlds of gaming and racing, CUPRA has produced something new and original.
The CUPRA Reality Loop interface technology allows events in the virtual world to physically affect the car, and vice versa. For example, driving over a speed boost on the virtual course will translate into a visceral torque boost for the CUPRA UrbanRebel Racing Concept.
For this to work, the CUPRA team has designed a custom gaming computer chassis, sensor mounts, extensive safety features, and a two-way communication system with the vehicle’s electronics.
The Exponential Experience has huge potential for the future of motorsport. It is racing that is adapted to the contemporary needs of the next generation.
